An English Country Garden Styled Shoot by josie photography

by gaby

It’s time for some Friday prettiness folks, courtesy of the lovely Josie of josie photography. This sweet little styled shoot was inspired by the legend of Camelot, and it really does have an idyllic English country garden feeling – you can just imagine Arthur and Guinevere prancing about in these green and pleasant surroundings. But more than that, there’s some fresh inspiration for rustic brides in the real world too – gorgeous flowers in the perfect spring or summer palette, soft botanical touches, and of course a bride crowned with flowers. And hello, proteas. We just can’t get enough of them this week, it seems! :)Read More

Urban Bohemian Styled Couple Shoot by Page & Holmes

by gaby

Who says you can’t find the peace and serenity of the countryside in the heart of the city? I’m over the moon about the way today’s super romantic couple shoot combines urban – even industrial-style – locations with soft bohemian style, and of course, a healthy dose of love and romance! Jonty and Melissa are an absolutely adorable couple – they’ve been married since 2012 but decided to dress up again for a couple shoot, and drafted in the talented team at Page & Holmes to capture it on film. There’s an element of styled shoot here too, with Melissa wearing a gorgeous gown from White Lilly Bridal, and a spectacular fynbos floral crown on her pretty head. Combined with Jonty’s sharp suit, it’s a great look for their pictures – and for a wedding!Read More

20 Gorgeous Protea Bouquets

by gaby

Ah proteas. The love affair that just keeps on going. Everytime I think I might have seen enough protea bouquets to last a lifetime (and let’s be honest, as the editor of a South African wedding blog, I’ve seen a LOT), I see just one more that melts my heart. Not to mention that everytime I buy myself one of these blooms, I spend hours looking at it. Proteas are just so cool. And that’s how you should feel about your wedding flowers, right? So I thought it was high time I did another roundup of gorgeous protea bouquets. Good luck picking a favourite – they’re all so lovely! And remember, you can find all my latest protea finds on our Protea Bouquet & Centrepieces Pinterest board.

Read More

Dreamy Safari Wedding at Karongwe Game Reserve by Rensche Mari {Lizel & Guy}

by gaby

You don’t need me to tell you again how much I love the South African bushveld – as Ernest Hemingway said: “I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” This wedding has everything I love about the bushveld – the soft, dreamy colour palette, the rustic setting, amazing animal sightings, colour, laughter, joy – and most of all, the sense of serenity that only comes under a great big starry African sky. Of course, a wedding like that needs a photographer to do it justice, and Rensche Mari does just that – these pics are super gorgeous, and show off every pretty detail of Lizel and Guy’s beautiful big day. Grab a G&T and enjoy!Read More

Pillow Fight Engagement Shoot by Kallah Ohr

by gaby

Oh we have a treat of an engagement shoot to share this afternoon! A bed, in a field, and a pillow fight. Need  say more? So ridiculously fun! Add in some thunder clouds, and of course the magnetic connection between Tanya and Johann, and you have all the ingredients for an epic session. The fab Kallah Ohr was on the scene to capture these  beautiful images.Read More

Darling Floral Wedding at Towerbosch by Moira West {Monya & Dawid}

by gaby

I’ve heard of a runaway bride, but instead of turning in her running shoes, today’s happy wife-to-be wore hers down the aisle, the better to run to her waiting groom! So adorable, and indicative of the love and joy that really shines out from this beautiful wedding, captured by one of our fave photographers, Moira West. Add in some lush florals (including our much beloved protea), a super romantic and pretty two-piece peachy wedding dress, and a few sweet surprises along the way, and you have the most gorgeous country wedding on a summer afternoon. Sigh.Read More

Phase Eight Spring/Summer 2015

by gaby

Gorgeous dress alert! Phase Eight havebrought out their 8 Bridal collection of wedding dresses, and I just had to share the brand new lookbook with you today. This sophisticated UK label really has something for everything in their bijou range, whether you’re a classic, vintage or contemporary bride. Short or long, sparkle or lace – I think everyone will find a favourite. Mine is Hope (pictured above), a spectacular beaded and embellished 1920s-inspired gown, with a sheer blouson top and sweet little train (total steal at £595, no?). It’s details like this that raise Phase Eight from high street to high fashion. And the best part is that the gowns are available online from different retailers, so South African brides don’t have to miss out. Winner winner, chicken dinner.Read More

Inspiration Board: Parisian Pastel

by gaby

Happy Monday, lovelies! Valentine’s may be over, but we’re heading to the city of love for our inspiration today. I just love the combination of blush, dove grey and champagne, especially because it’s like the pastel version of mixed metallics. The perfect combination of soft and glamorous. Which is pretty much perfect for a Paris-inspired wedding. Throw in a beautiful croquembouche, a lush bouquet, rosé champagne, a chic topknot and (my favourite detail) bridesmaids carrying clutches instead of flowers, and you have the most romantic take on city glamour imaginable. And the best part? You don’t have to be wed in Paris to pull it off.

Colours: Blush, dove grey, champagne, white

Top row (l-r): Bridesmaids’ clutches {Davie and Chiyo/Desy Cheng}; stationery suite {Jen Fariello/Easton Events/Erika Jack}; bride with top knot {Kali Lu Photo/Cara Aeschliman/Kae + Ales}
Row 2: Croquembouche cake {Rebecca Yale Portraits}; silver heels {Vicki Grafton Photography}; Paris buildings
Row 3: Chanel perfume {Le Secret D’Audrey/Luxe Paris Events}; bouquet {Jose Villa}; grey ring box {The Mrs Box/Jose Villa}; champagne {Meg Smith}

 

5 Ways to Cultivate Real Love this Valentine’s Day (and Every Day!)

by candice

Valentine’s Day. You either love it or hate it.

For the last three years, hubby and I have celebrated our anniversary as a priority (ten days earlier) far from the crowds and general cheesiness of the holiday. (Sorry, die-hard romantics!) It might sound like a cop-out but it works for us. I have also personally learned that true love is more than random, grand romantic gestures It’s about daily sacrifices – dragging myself out of bed to make hubby a morning coffee (as he has done for me on countless occasions) or quietly packing away the 20 pairs of shoes spread out all over our home without moaning or making a fuss! It’s also about being intentional in the way you show love and appreciation to your partner, something that came up in conversation with some of my married girlfriends at our recent monthly dinner (aka free therapy session!).Read More

Pastel Wedding Inspiration Featuring Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

by gaby

Summer Bridal Style | Credit: Leandri Kers | Featuring Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

Hello, lovelies! I am so ridiculously excited to share today’s pastel wedding inspiration with you – it’s absolutely gorgeous, and it also happens to be perfect for Valentine’s Day tomorrow, since it is pure romance! The concept was based on a ‘boy meets girl’ idea, and you’ll see that the shoot follows through a journey from love at first sight to happy ever after, which I absolutely adore. Not to mention the gorgeous styling, the soft colours… I kind of just want to jump into one of the stunning images by Leandri Kers and live in them for a while. Instead, I get to share them all with you – the prettiest way possible to kick off your romantic V-Day weekend! UPDATE: Huge congrats to South Africa’s own Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, Miss Universe 2017, the gorgeous model who is featured in these images!

Read More